Crime & Safety
West Orange FD Earns Grant From Denis Leary-Founded Nonprofit
The Leary Firefighters Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Leary Firefighters Foundation (LFF) has awarded a grant to the West Orange Fire Department (WOFD) to fund a free-standing roof training prop, town officials announced Monday.
According to a municipal news release, the award is for the purchase of a roof prop and accessories valued at $24,979. Officials stated:
“With the addition of this equipment, WOFD will be able to conduct realistic training scenarios and simulations of cutting roof ventilation holes in a safe and controlled environment. The prop has the ability to simulate different roof pitches as well. “
WOFD Training Officer/Captain Sean Gaynor said that training is limited when it comes to specific technical operations due to the lack of acquired structures.
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“This new prop will allow us to practice real-life ventilation operations without the need for donated properties,” Gaynor said.
Fire Chief Anthony Vecchio added:
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“What the Leary Firefighters Foundation has done for the betterment of the fire service is unmatchable and we are grateful to the foundation for selecting the West Orange Fire Department as an award recipient this year.”
According to municipal officials, the Leary Firefighters Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts that claimed the lives of Denis’ cousin, a childhood friend and four other firefighters. The LFF’s mission is to provide funding and resources for fire departments to obtain the best available equipment, technology and training.
In an effort to balance the challenges of rising costs associated with training and equipment, the WOFD regularly looks for grant opportunities to help fund necessary programs and equipment, officials said.
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File Photo: West Orange Township
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